Six Million Individuals Each Year Need to Know the Following

Last year alone over 6 million police-reported auto accidents occurred in the United States with over 32,000 wrongfully killed. So, if you are involved in a traffic collision, try to remain calm, and follow these steps:

Safety First: If, no serious injuries should move cars to the side of the road and out of the way of oncoming traffic. If a car cannot be moved, drivers and passengers should remain in the cars with seatbelts fastened for everyone's safety until help arrives. Make sure to turn on hazard lights and set out cones, flares or warning triangles if possible.

Witness Info: Get the name, address and phone of any and all eye witnesses to the accident.

Exchange Info: After the accident, exchange the following information: name, address, phone number, insurance company, policy number, driver license number and license plate number for the driver and the owner of each vehicle.

Emergency Kit: Drivers should carry a cell phone, as well as pen and paper for taking notes, a disposable camera to take photos of the vehicles at the scene, and a card with information about medical allergies or conditions that may require special attention if there are serious injuries. Also, keep a list of contact numbers for law enforcement agencies handy.

Photograph/Document the Accident: Use your camera to document the damage to all the vehicles. Keep in mind that you want your photos to show the overall context of the accident so that you can make your case to a claims adjuster.

File A Police Report: A police report often helps insurance companies speed up the claims process.

Know What Your Insurance Covers: The whole insurance process will be easier following your accident if you know the details of your coverage. Check your policy for specifics. You should double check your policy coverage each year, wherein you want to have Comp/Collision, PIP insurance and Underinsured/Uninsured Coverage.

After an Accident Seek Medical Attention for you and your Family: It is advisable after an accident to seek medical attention to check for injuries and treat injuries if they are diagnosed.

Get an Estimate: Go to a Body Shop you trust for a Collision Repair Estimate.

Call Carabin Shaw Injury Lawyers: Our Lawyers will discuss you claim for free, discuss options, basic rights and specifics about the options you may or may not have. All initial consultations are free.